Daniel Johnson has won the backing of the Scottish Parliament for his call on the Scottish Government to draw up proposals to devolve funding for lifelong learning and skills to regional leaders.
The Scottish Labour MSP for Edinburgh Southern lodged an amendment to the Scottish Government's motion on supporting young people to participate in the labour market. His wording was incorporated into the final motion, which MSPs agreed by 80 votes to 23, with 13 abstentions.
One in six young people
The amendment expresses concern at figures indicating that as many as one in six young people in Scotland are not in education, work or training.
It says there is a need to simplify vocational qualifications, create lifelong learning pathways and support flexible courses that can be tailored to individuals and businesses.
Colleges, employers and training providers together
The agreed text calls on ministers to draw up proposals to devolve lifelong-learning and skills funding to regional leaders, bringing together colleges, employers and training providers, so that people are equipped with the skills industry needs and local communities share in the benefits of investment.
The vote does not itself transfer funding or powers, but it puts Parliament on record in support of a regional approach and places the onus on ministers to bring forward proposals.
